East Africa

Kenya’s election: Zuma congratulates Kenyatta on victory

President Jacob Zuma has extended his “congratulations and best wishes” to Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta on his victory in the recently held disputed election.

“President Zuma extends his congratulations and best wishes to President Kenyatta and the people of the Republic of Kenya,” said a statement from the Department of International Relations.

It added: “South Africa and Kenya share a long historical relationship and President Zuma said South Africa looks forward to working with Kenya under President Kenyatta to consolidate relations and implement existing agreements.”

Kenyatta was declared the winner of a disputed poll on Friday, beating his long-time rival Raila Odinga by a huge margin.

The east African nation’s election commission said Kenyatta won Tuesday’s election with 54% of the vote.

The commission labelled the vote as “credible, fair and peaceful”.

Following the announcement of results, hundreds of police in anti-riot gear were in the streets of the capital, Nairobi, amid fears of further protests by opposition supporters.

The opposition called the vote a “charade” and said that going to court to challenge it was not an option.